Should I Plant a Lot of Basil in One Pot? Yes or No?
Many new gardeners ask me, “Should I plant a lot of basil in one pot?” Well, it’s not recommended, but you can do it if you’re short on space or pots. Basil needs room to grow well, and overcrowding can lead to weak plants.
But don’t worry. Stick around, and I’ll show you how to make it work if you must plant several basil plants together!
Key Points
- Basil needs space to grow, so avoid overcrowding plants in one pot.
- A large pot with good drainage is essential when planting multiple basils.
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart to prevent competition for sunlight and nutrients.
- Basil thrives with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Overcrowded plants risk mold and mildew due to poor air circulation.
- Regular watering is key, but don’t let the soil stay too wet.
- Trimming basil often helps it grow bushier and stronger.
- Adding fertilizer every few weeks can support healthy growth, especially when plants share the same pot.
Should I Plant a Lot of Basil in One Pot? (Know the Details)
It’s not recommended to plant too many basil plants in one pot. Basil needs room to grow, and overcrowding can lead to problems. However, if you don’t have a lot of pots, you can plant several basil plants together, but only if the pot is big enough.
Ever wondered, How many basil plants per pot? For best results, plant one or two basil plants per pot, depending on the size (more on it later).
Before I explain how you can grow many basils in one pot, let me explain why it is not recommended to grow these plants together.
Basil Needs Room to Grow
Basil grows best when each plant has its own space. If you plant too many in one pot, the roots get tangled, and the plants will compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Crowded basil plants won’t grow as big, and their leaves won’t be as healthy.
When the roots are squished together, they can’t spread out and absorb the nutrients they need from the soil. This makes the plants weak, and they won’t produce many leaves.
Also, crowded plants block each other from sunlight. According to Volume 118 of Food Control, basil needs proper sun exposure to grow.
On top of that, overcrowding can cause air circulation problems. When basil plants are too close, air doesn’t move freely between them. This leads to mold, especially in humid conditions.
So, giving each plant enough room helps keep it healthy.
Watering Becomes Harder
When you have a lot of basil plants in one pot, it’s tricky to water them just right. Some plants might get too much water, while others won’t get enough. Basil likes to be watered evenly, but overcrowded plants can make this difficult.
If the soil around the basil roots stays too wet, they might rot. Overwatering is a common problem when there are too many plants in a small space because the soil doesn’t dry out properly.
On the flip side, if you don’t water enough, some plants will dry out, especially the ones on the edges of the pot. Basil doesn’t like being too dry, and dry plants can wilt and weaken.
The Soil Runs Out of Nutrients
Soil has a limited amount of nutrients, and basil is a plant that needs a lot of them, especially nitrogen, to grow its leaves. When too many plants share the same soil, they fight over those nutrients.
This can lead to poor growth because the soil just can’t provide enough food for all the plants.
If you’re planting multiple basil plants in one pot, you’ll have to use fertilizer to keep the soil rich. Even with fertilizer, though, too many plants can exhaust the soil quickly. It’s better to give each basil plant its own space so it can get the nutrients it needs to grow strong.
If you’re interested in timing your garden right, check out Best Time to Plant Poppies in San Francisco for more tips on seasonal planting.
How Many Basil Plants Can You Grow in One Pot? (All the Details)
You can grow about one or two basil plants in a pot, depending on its size. Each plant needs space to spread its roots and get enough nutrients, water, and sunlight. Overcrowding can stunt their growth, so aim for at least 6-12 inches of space between each plant.
Let’s look at factors to Consider When Deciding How Many Basil Plants to Grow in One Pot
Pot Size
The pot’s size is the most important factor in deciding how many basil plants you can grow. For one basil plant, an 8-10 inch wide pot works well. If you want to plant two or three basil plants together, you’ll need a pot that’s at least 12-18 inches wide and deep.
A small pot doesn’t give the roots enough room to grow, and that can cause your basil to stay small or stop growing altogether. With a bigger pot, the roots have more space to spread out, and the plants will grow healthier and produce more leaves.
A good rule to follow: The bigger the pot, the more plants you can fit, but make sure they still have room to spread out.
Plant Spacing
Basil plants need space not just for their roots but also for their leaves. When you plant multiple basil plants together, give them at least 6-12 inches of space between each one. If you plant them too close, they’ll fight for sunlight and air, and that can make them weak.
Proper spacing also helps the air move around the plants, which keeps them dry and healthy. Without enough space, basil leaves can get wet and soggy, which might lead to problems like mold or disease. So, keep the plants spaced out to make sure they all get enough light and air.
Sunlight
Basil needs lots of sunlight to grow—about 7-8 hours of sunlight a day. When you plant too many in one pot, some plants might not get enough light because the outer plants will block it. If a basil plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, it won’t grow well, and the leaves might turn yellow.
If you’re growing basil indoors, make sure the pot is placed in a sunny spot, like near a window. Outdoors, keep the pot where it can get full sunlight. If your plants aren’t getting enough light, you might need to remove some or move the pot to a sunnier location.
Soil Quality
Good soil is key to growing healthy basil. Basil needs nutrient-rich soil that drains well. When you plant several basil plants in one pot, they’ll all be using the same nutrients from the soil, so it’s important to make sure there’s enough to go around.
A Nature’s article highlights the importance of Bio-organic fertilizer. These are popular choices:
| Bio-Fertilizer | Description |
| Compost | Decomposed organic matter; nutrient-rich |
| Vermicompost | Earthworm compost; enhances nutrients |
| Bone Meal | Crushed bones; high in phosphorus, calcium |
| Fish Emulsion | Fish waste liquid; nitrogen and trace elements |
| Blood Meal | Dried blood; boosts nitrogen |
| Neem Cake | Neem seed residue; fertilizes, repels pests |
| Seaweed Extract | Seaweed-based; rich in potassium, trace elements |
| Chicken Manure | Composted chicken waste; nitrogen, phosphorus |
| Cattle Manure | Cow dung; improves soil health |
| Green Manure | Cover crops; adds organic matter |
| Bat Guano | Bat droppings; nitrogen, phosphorus |
| Alfalfa Meal | Dried alfalfa; nitrogen, growth hormones |
| Soybean Meal | Ground soybeans; slow-release nitrogen |
| Humic Acid | Organic matter compound; enhances uptake |
| Wood Ash | Burnt wood ash; potassium, raises soil pH |
If the soil runs out of nutrients, the basil plants will stop growing or become weak.
Moreover, make sure the soil drains well because basil doesn’t like sitting in water.
How to Plant Multiple Basils in One Pot?
To plant multiple basil plants in one pot, choose a large container with good drainage. Make sure to space each plant about 6-12 inches apart. The pot should get plenty of sunlight, and you need to water the plants regularly but don’t let the soil get too soggy.
Choose the Right Pot
The first step is picking the right pot. You’ll need a pot that’s big enough to fit all the basil plants you want to grow. For two or three plants, choose a pot that’s at least 12-18 inches wide and deep.
Prepare the Soil
Once you have the pot, fill it with good-quality soil. Basil loves soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. A potting mix with added compost or fertilizer is perfect for basil. Avoid using garden soil because it can be too heavy and might not drain well in a pot.
Loose, airy soil allows water to flow through easily, which helps the roots breathe and grow. The right soil will make sure your basil plants stay healthy and strong.
Space the Basil Plants
Now it’s time to plant your basil. Dig small holes for each plant, leaving 6-12 inches of space between them. If they’re too close together, they’ll fight for water and sunlight, and they won’t grow well.
After placing each plant in its hole, make sure to cover the roots with soil. Also, ensure the plants are not buried too deep. The top of the roots should be at the same level as the soil.
How to Care for Multiple Basils in One Pot?
Caring for multiple basil plants in one pot involves ensuring they get enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Trim the plants regularly to encourage growth, and make sure the soil drains well. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and add fertilizer when needed to keep the plants healthy.
Water the Basil Properly
According to research, Basil likes moist soil, but not too wet. So, when watering basil, make sure the soil stays moist but doesn’t get soggy.
To avoid overwatering your basils, always check the soil before adding more water. If you notice the leaves turning yellow, that’s a sign of overwatering, and you should reduce the amount of water you’re giving the plants.
On hot days, you might need to water more often, especially if the pot is outside. Just be sure to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Give the Plants Enough Sunlight
Basil thrives in full sunlight, which means it needs eight hours of direct sun rays each day. Place the pot in a sunny spot, like on a windowsill or in a garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
Without enough light, the basil leaves will become small and pale, and the plant won’t grow as quickly.
If you’re growing basil indoors and don’t have a sunny window, consider using a grow light to give your plants the extra light they need.
Outdoors, make sure the pot is positioned in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. If your basil isn’t getting enough light, the plants will start to lean toward the light source, and they’ll grow weak and spindly.
Trim the Basil Regularly
When the basil plants reach about 6 inches tall, you should start pruning the top leaves. Trimming basil is important because it encourages the plant to grow bushier.
To trim basil, cut just above a pair of leaves. You can use the leaves you cut off in your cooking! Regular trimming also helps improve airflow around the plants, which can prevent diseases from forming. Make sure to trim the basil once a week or whenever it looks like it’s getting too tall.
Add Fertilizer
Basil plants need nutrients to grow big and flavorful leaves. According to FAO, adding a balanced fertilizer every few weeks will keep the plants healthy. So, choose an organic fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer designed for herbs.
Too much fertilizer can cause the basil leaves to grow too fast. Remember that you don’t need to fertilize basil too often, but a little extra nutrition can help keep the plants producing fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
For tips on plant health, see Why Lilies Are Slow to Break Ground and learn how to get your plants thriving faster.
Watch for Pests
Basil can attract pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Keep an eye on your plants and check the undersides of the leaves regularly. If you notice any pests, you can try washing them off with water or using a natural insecticidal soap.
Another option I always recommend is releasing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, which eat pests. Keeping your basil plants healthy and strong is another best way to prevent pest problems.
Protect from Cold Weather
Basil is a warm-weather plant and doesn’t like cold temperatures. If you’re growing basil outdoors, make sure to bring the pot inside if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). Cold weather can damage the leaves and stunt the plant’s growth.
If you’re growing basil in winter indoors, keep the pot in a sunny spot. A windowsill can be a good place, but make sure it’s not too cold at night. You can also use a heating mat to keep the soil warm if needed.
Rotate the Pot
If your basil is growing indoors, rotate the pot every few days. Basil plants tend to grow toward the light source, so rotating the pot will ensure that all sides get equal sunlight. This helps keep the plant balanced and prevents it from growing too tall on one side.
Rotating the pot also helps the leaves get more even exposure to sunlight, which can make the plant healthier overall. Outdoors, this isn’t as necessary since the sun moves across the sky, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on the plant’s shape and adjust if needed.
Repot If Needed
If your basil plants start to outgrow their pot, you might need to repot them into a larger container. When the roots begin to fill up the pot and there’s not enough room for them to spread out, the plants will stop growing as quickly.
Choose a pot that’s a few inches bigger than the current one and follow the same planting steps as before. Make sure the new pot has good drainage, and be careful not to damage the roots when transferring the plants.
Repotting gives the plants more space to grow and can help them produce more leaves.
Harvest Regularly
One of the best parts of growing basil is harvesting the fresh leaves. Pick the leaves regularly to encourage more growth. When harvesting, don’t take more than one-third of the total leaves. Why? Well, to avoid stressing the basil plant.
Always harvest in the morning when the leaves are most flavorful. You can use the basil leaves in cooking or dry them for later use. Regular harvesting helps keep the plant in good shape and ensures a continuous supply of fresh basil throughout the growing season.
FAQs
Should I plant a lot of basil in one pot indoors?
It’s not recommended to plant a lot of basil in one pot indoors because the plants need space to grow well. However, you can plant two or three in a large pot with enough sunlight and proper care.
Should I plant a lot of basil in one pot in winter?
In winter, basil needs extra care if grown indoors. It’s best to plant fewer plants in one pot to ensure they get enough sunlight and space, especially since sunlight is limited during the winter months.
Planted too many basil seeds in one pot?
If you planted too many basil seeds in one pot, thin them out once they start sprouting. Leave only one or two plants so they have room to grow properly.
How many basil plants per person?
One or two basil plants per person are usually enough to provide a good supply of fresh basil leaves for cooking.
How many basil seeds per pot?
Plant about 2-3 basil seeds per pot if you’re starting from seeds. Once they sprout, thin them down to one or two plants so they have room to grow.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s not recommended to plant a lot of basil in one pot. However, you can still manage it with some careful adjustments:
- Use a large pot to give roots room to spread.
- Ensure the plants get 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Keep plants spaced at least 6-12 inches apart.
- Water them regularly but don’t let the soil get soggy.
- Regularly trim and harvest basil to encourage healthy growth.
Remember, basil loves attention, so if you give it the space and care it needs, it will reward you with fresh leaves!
